Designated Visitors: Phase 2a of 3

March 3, 2022

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) has moved to Phase 2a (from Phase 1) of the hospital's Designated Visitor Policy.

Phase 2a of the designated visitor policy allows moderate on-site access to essential caregivers only. At this time, all essential caregivers must continue to show proof of vaccination and photo identification to enter the hospital.

Under 2a essential caregivers will be permitted at one visitor per patient for:

End of life including MAID and stillbirth
Childbirth
Major surgery
Critical illness/life altering diagnosis
Significant developmental, intellectual disability/cognitive impairment/unable to effectively communicate
Patient requiring caregiver to support hospital workflow
Long stay patients
Emergency department patients (must meet one of the above criteria)

Essential caregivers are currently permitted for the following at two visitors daily per patient:

Patients under the age of 18

Please note if two essential caregivers are allowed and one is vaccinated and the other is not, no exemption will be given to the non-vaccinated individual. The fully vaccinated essential caregiver may proceed to a visit.

Essential caregivers will continue to enter through the hospital's main doors, where they will provide proof of vaccination or exemption, answer a series of screening questions, clean their hands, and be provided with a hospital-grade mask. Essential caregivers must wear the hospital-grade mask at all times while within the hospital.

Can food be dropped off for patients?

Families wishing to drop off food items for their loved ones at CGMH, are permitted during this time under certain restrictions. Any food that is being dropped off for loved ones, must NOT require any heating or refrigeration. It will be brought to the floors by a Pandemic Support Assistant or picked up by Unit staff, when time permits. Patients are NOT permitted to store food items in departmental fridges on the Unit floors.

The Role of the Designated Visitor

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) recognizes the crucial role that care partners play in the lives of its patients and their care journeys. We are pleased to report that there is a phased introduction into increasing the presence of designated visitors at CGMH. There will NOT BE a resumption of OPEN visiting at this time. The number of designated visitors is being restricted for the safety of all patients and staff, as COVID-19 continues to be present in the community.

Here are some important things you need to know: We ask that the Designated Visitor adhere to the guidelines outlined in this document for the safety of all. If you are unable to meet the necessary guidelines, we ask that you work with the patient to designate an alternate visitor. The right to be present can be revoked at any time should you choose to not adhere to infection control practices, or the terms outlined in this document.

All Designated Visitors:

Must be approved and authorized by the appropriate manager. The patient or their Power of Attorney/ Substitute Decision Maker will be involved in identifying Designated Visitor.
Are required to adhere to the schedule as provided to them in terms of frequency and duration of visit.
Will be screened at each visit to ensure that they have no signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or any other communicable illness. Designated Visitors who do not pass screening will not be permitted to enter the hospital and are advised to contact their health care provider or Telehealth promptly.
Must pass the screening assessment with each visit.
Are required to wear the Designated Visitor sticker, which must be visible, at all times.
Are required to follow all of the necessary infection control practices.
Designated Visitors will be required to clean their hands and wear a mask or face covering at the point of entry to the hospital. The mask or face covering must be clean and cover both nose and mouth. If Designated Visitors do not have a mask or face covering, we will provide a mask at the entrance.
Designated Visitors must clean hands with the hand sanitizer when entering the hospital and when entering and exiting the patient's room or care area.
Please always maintain 2 meters or 6 feet physical distancing.
Inpatient Designated Visitors are restricted to the patient's room and to the appropriate restroom facilities. They may enter the hospital once per visit. There are no in-and-out privileges unless expressly confirmed by the Clinical Manager.
Designated Visitors are not permitted to use any common areas like waiting rooms, the Worship Centre and cafeteria to reduce the risk of transmission. We encouraged you to bring your own snacks.
Those who are accompanying patients in the Emergency Department, for day surgery or outpatient clinic appointments, are to remain with the patient at all times unless otherwise directed by a member of the care team, e.g. day surgery care partners may be asked to depart and return to the hospital following the procedure as waiting room space is currently restricted.
There is no eating and drinking in patient rooms by essential caregivers or designated visitors.

Visitors

How do I find a family doctor in Collingwood, Clearview Township, The Blue Mountains or Wasaga Beach?

Is there WIFI for visitors?

Wireless Internet Access

The guest network is available in all areas of the hospital.

What are the parking fees?

On-site Parking Locations

Parking Rates

What are the visiting hours and limitations?

Designated Visitors: Phase 2a of 3

Can food be dropped off for patients?

The Role of the Designated Visitor